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[Have fun applauding God all week!]
CedarS Camps Metaphysical Application Ideas for
the Christian Science Bible Lesson on:
“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
for December 16, 2012
by Dan Carnesciali, CS of St. Louis, MO
(314.374.5616/ dancarne@gmail.com)
CedarS Camps Metaphysical Application Ideas for
the Christian Science Bible Lesson on:
“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
for December 16, 2012
by Dan Carnesciali, CS of St. Louis, MO
(314.374.5616/ dancarne@gmail.com)
Christmas day is coming and the year is almost over. Every December, the subject of the Bible Lesson about atomic force asks us to ponder whether the universe has progressed from mindless dust into a beautiful, complex, and varied expression of life, and if the power behind this is due to some inherent power of matter. The words that are in the subject of the lesson need definition. The word “evolved” means changed, developed, progressed. “Force” equals power. “Universe” seems easy, but this is going to be kind of long. Universe means all known creation, which is beyond what the human mind can imagine. Traveling at the speed of light, it would take over 12 billion years to cross the [visible] universe. There is an average of a billion stars in each galaxy. [Our own] Milky Way galaxy has 200 billion stars [that spin in a “large spiral” pattern]. One galaxy has 100 trillion stars in it. The number of stars in the observed universe is believed to be about one septillion, which is 1024, or 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars. (http://www.universetoday.com) Put another way that is one billion trillion stars. What an enormous number. According to some sources, that number is greater than the number of drops of water on earth. Back to definitions. The word “man” means humanity. The word “including” means containing or involving. This week, each section features one of the days of the creation story from Genesis.
Golden Text:
“Creation and creatures applaud you, God; your holy people bless you. They talk about the glories of your rule, they exclaim over your splendor;” (The Message or MSG) It struck me, that I thank God often, but how often do I applaud God? I applaud good music, good performances, good movies, good saves, good goals, good hits, and good finishes. If you are like me, applaud is not a word I would have chosen to describe how I interact with God. Maybe it is time to change that. [It may be time to regard “the good you do and embody…” as an eager, nonstop, standing ovation to God that “…gives you the only power obtainable.” (S&H 192:23)]
Responsive Reading:
“O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens.” “Praise the Lord, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom.” (NLT) If we follow this instruction to praise everything, we would always have praise in our mouth. Maybe that's the idea.
Section 1 – Day 1 – Let There Be Light:
In the only creation everything was made by God. God said “Let there be light … and there was light.” Light separates day from night. The Greek word “Logos” means word, conversation or thought. Christ is considered God's word, so that is why Logos is capitalized. In this passage the word “beginning” means “only”. Here is how I paraphrased John 1:1, 3. “The Word is Christ, God's entire presence. God and Christ is One. When people see Christ, they see God. Outside of the Only, no thing was or could be made.” (B1) We say that God is all, but what do we mean by that? What kind of all? How big an all? In Science and Health it says: “Nothing but Spirit, Soul, can evolve Life, for Spirit is more than all else.” (S1) In this lesson, notice the use of the term “spiritual evolution.” What do you think spiritual evolution is or could be? In the last citation in this section, it says, “Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power.” (S5) It is certainly understandable why intelligent people believe that matter developed on its own. Many people find Darwin's theory of evolution a practical way to explain how life developed on Earth. Having said that, it still leaves questions unanswered. What did it develop from? What was the animating principle that launched it? “Stoic philosophers identified the term (logos) with the divine animating principle pervading the Universe.” (Wikipedia)
Mary Baker Eddy has this as the definition of Creator: “Spirit; Mind; intelligence; the animating divine Principle of all that is real and good;” (Science and Health, pg. 583)
Section 2 – Day 2 – Firmament:
A woman from the Shunem region, which is in Samaria, which is south of Galilee, provided a room for the prophet Elisha who would pass through her village regularly. She made sure that he had a place to rest and something to eat on his travels. One day he sent for her and said, “We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you?” Elisha's servant spoke up for her, “She doesn't have a son, and her husband is an old man.” Elisha told her, “Next year at this time you will be holding a son in your arms!” (MSG) And she did bear a son at the time Elisha said she would. Remember, your life has many chapters and each one has been written by Love. If you feel like your life is currently a dark chapter, sometimes all that is needed is a small change in perspective. (S9) Recall how the Shunnamite woman was blessed with a child through Elisha's prayers. Elisha's prayers changed human consciousness with spiritual understanding, the firmament spoken of in the Bible. (S6) Where would we be without progress or development? Athletes, artists, and musicians are constantly improving. They want to push the limits. They want to explore, so they innovate. Without innovation and freshness, things become stale. I believe that spiritual ideas need to improve, innovate, learn, and have fun. Without change, God's ideas can't express the infinite idea which by its nature ever expands. What if the true theory of the universe left God, Spirit out? What would be the creator? Without a design or an author, what would the universe be like? Would there be a universe?
Section 3 – Day 3 – Land and Water:
In Genesis it says that God created land and seas, and it was “good.” (B10) Elijah experienced a severe drought. When something is really needed, it is tempting to pray for God to “do something.” (B12) There is a danger when things are going badly that we think of God as an errand boy. (That's not what Elijah was doing, by the way.) If everyone got what they asked God for, chaos would result because people could be asking for contradictory things. So, clearly God does not work at our bidding. Last week, my son asked me how things were going at work. I was honest that I was on a project that was in crisis and I was finding it challenging. As those words came out of my mouth I realized that I had been attempting to use will power to solve the problems. I was trying to force a result. I told him that in the past year I have learned a lot, and one of the lessons was to listen continually for God's direction and not push. With a new perspective, throughout the next day, as humbly as I could, I asked God for direction and listened for what the right thing for me to be doing was at that moment. Rather than fixing the known problems, I found myself led to write up a document to help the whole team pull together and assess what the needs were to be successful. Although it was my job to resolve the problems, I found that the switch to listening for direction was less stressful for me and others. “Be blessed, God; train me in your ways of wise living. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds.” (B13, NLT) What if we surrendered to God's view of heaven, earth, and our bodies? What would that be like? Often, I pray, “Please change my thinking. Thank you for changing my thinking.” This is a prayer of supplication (asking) and it is one of the forms of prayer in the Bible. Praying like this puts us in a space of humility and surrender. And, that's a good space to be in. In this space, we are ready to listen and God speaks to our heart.
Section 4 – Day 4 – Daylight and Night Light Teach Grand Lessons:
“God spoke: “Lights! Come out! Shine in Heaven's sky! Separate Day from Night. God made two big lights, the larger to take charge of Day, The smaller to be in charge of Night; and he made the stars.” (B14, MSG) When the King James Version (KJV) says “firmament”, it means sky, heavens, or the “expanse above”. Think back to a time when you got up early and witnessed an incredible sunrise or witnessed a bold sunset. Listen to how the Psalmist captured that experience. “God's glory is on tour in the skies, God-craft on exhibit across the horizon.” (B15, MSG) In citation S17 (p. 240) Mary Baker Eddy observed, “Suns and planets teach grand lessons. The stars make the night beautiful, and the leaflet turns naturally toward the light.” (A leaflet is a little leaf.) A plant turns naturally toward the light so it can receive as much life-giving energy as possible. It turns towards the light to get goodness. Light is often symbolic in the Bible of inspiration and clarity. It is natural for you to turn towards inspiration and mental clarity. Can you imagine a plant turning away from the light? “The radiant sun of virtue and truth coexists with being. Manhood is its eternal noon, undimmed by a declining sun.” (S19) To God we are neither too young nor too old. To God we are not passing out of perfection. To God we are not separate or alone. Pause and think what your life would be like if you never ever felt separated from God again!
Section 5 – Day 5 – Creatures Appear (Fishing, Jesus-style):
“God spoke: ‘Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life! Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!' God saw that it was good. God blessed them: ‘Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean!'” (B17, MSG) To bless means to give divine favor, or to endow with prosperity, or talent. The blessing in Genesis was not just for then only. It exists in this divine moment for you. Simon Peter got to tell a fishing story about the fish that didn't get away. When Jesus and the disciples came to Capernaum, they were expected to pay a “temple tax”. When they arrived at Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked, “Does your teacher pay taxes?” Peter said, “Of course.” But as soon as they were in the house, Jesus confronted him. “Simon, what do you think? When a king levies taxes, who pays-his children or his subjects?” He answered, “His subjects.” Jesus said, “Then the children get off free, right? But so we don't upset them needlessly, go down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its mouth and you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be enough for both of us.' (B 19, MSG) Some will say this is just a story from the Bible. Jesus could have asked someone to pay the temple tax, but there was another way, which taught all involved a spiritual lesson. Jesus illustrated a biblical principle of God meeting human need. This was, “divine Love embracing humanity,” which is one definition of Christ. It also illustrates this passage. “As mortals gain more correct views of God and man, multitudinous objects of creation, which before were invisible, will become visible.” (S24) Multitudinous means “great number of”. Jesus didn't cause the fish to supply the need. His consciousness became aware of infinite good and the good became apparent in an understandable way to everyone involved.
In the movie “The Matrix”, the main character grows more aware and is able to see things represented as numbers, or (in my words) as thoughts. When the villains fired bullets at him, he was able to see them in slow motion, stop them, pick them up, look at them, and drop them. What if you could “freeze frame” the moment bad thoughts were coming at you like this? In slow motion, you could see whether those thoughts were really scary, or just stupid illusions. If you saw them clearly as illusions, then you could drop them.
Section 6 – Day 6 – Man Created
“And God said, Let us make mankind in our image …” (B21, NIV) “God looked over everything he had made; it was so good, so very good!” (B21, MSG) Why does the human mind see another reality, a separate-from-God reality? The answer is the human mind is separateness itself. It often fears the future and is often hurt by the past. That's why it is best to live as much as possible in the present, or with God in the Now. Now is God's eternal divine moment. If you dwell in that eternal Now and then drop concern about past and future, even for a moment, you get clearer views of reality like in Genesis 1:31 (B21). In Luke, a man had a wonderful healing. He was brought to Jesus on a cot, unable to move his legs. He left, leaping and praising God. Jesus forgave the man's sins and showed us the healing power of forgiveness. He also showed us the importance of healing of sin in cases of physical illness. Sometimes the human mind doesn't want to forgive. It wants to hold on to feelings and memories loaded with pain and hurt. There is a simple reason why. It sees the pain that it is feeling as an identity. If it forgave, it would have to give up that identity. “Christ is the ideal Truth, that comes to heal sickness and sin through Christian Science, and attributes all power to God.” (S25) Christ is your true nature. It allows you to see everyone's true Christly nature.
Section 7 – 7th Day – Rest
On day 7, God's creation was complete. Seven is symbolic of completeness throughout the Bible. We live in a busy, busy world. For many of us, it's go, go, go all the time. The antidote is the biblical concept of Sabbath Rest, which was not included in the 23rd Bible citation. The rest of Genesis 2:2 says God rested. For many of us it feels like there isn't time for rest, even on Sunday. Sunday can be a day that is used to catch up on all the things we're behind on. In Exodus 20:9-10 it says: “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.” Sabbath Rest is rest for the soul [that reminds you that God is in control, not you]. It allows you to slow down and recuperate. To get your Sabbath Rest: 1. Take time [for prayer or even] for sheer inactivity. [You should not feel guilty about this, because] it is not being slothful; it's biblical. [Besides the Sabbath Day (4th) Commandment in Exodus 20: 8-11),] Leviticus 25:1-7 mentions the concept of letting farmland lie unused every 7th year so it can recover. 2. Take time for something that feeds your soul. It could be reading that book you have wanted to read. Or it could be spending time with a friend… [or “all-one” (vs. alone) with God.] It would be activity that restores your soul. If you are an extrovert, spending time with others recharges you. If you are more of an introvert, being off alone, perhaps in the woods works better. Sabbath Rest is wisdom because it helps you avoid burnout [and “sharpens your saw” to make all your future work faster and more effective.] Whatever you choose, it is time to be with God one-on-one. I imagine God might say, “It's been a long time since we had a good talk. I'm glad you stopped by.” I hope you have enjoyed exploring the 7 days of creation in Genesis. Have fun applauding God all week!
Last month there were so many requests for the referenced list of qualities of God that appeared [July 5, 2009] in http://MyBibleLesson.com that we have provided a link to them at: http://cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/media/qualitiesofgod.pdf
[The application ideas above are from a Christian Science Practitioner who has served as a Resident Practitioner at CedarS Camps. They are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters Warren Huff, CedarS Director & editor of these notes & bracketed, italic additions.]
[YOUR QUICK SUPPORT IS DOUBLY APPRECIATED AND STILL NEEDED!!
1st “Emerge ‘n See” Response: Based on wonderful responses to our fall pleas for help to buy hay to make up for a significant shortage caused by unexpected, dry conditions in the Midwest this summer, we were able to buy enough good hay to feed our horses! Thank you SO much!! We only need to raise $1,000 more to cover the unbudgeted expense of being unable to grow all of our own hay this year. (http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/adopt-the-herd-fund.htm shares details.) Fortunately, MATCHING FUNDS DONORS FOR “ADOPT THE HERD” have committed to match your gifts up to $50,000 to buy hay and to underwrite the excellence of CedarS' popular and effective Riding Program. Here's a sample of fruitage:
“I am getting to know about horses and how to ride them. … I am very grateful to know that God is at my side all the time.” Camper
“I am getting to know about horses and how to ride them. … I am very grateful to know that God is at my side all the time.” Camper
2nd “Emerge ‘n See” Response: We recently discovered that several of CedarS' original cabins and structures whose electrical wiring was not in metal conduits, have become fire hazards due to critters gnawing through the wire insulation. Running new wire inside conduit (plus fixing our backhoe and doing other needed — but more routine — maintenance throughout camp) will cost $50,000. The good news is that work has been able to be started thanks to about $10,000 received in recent phoned-in and mailed-in donations as well as e-gifts to http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/maintenance-fund.htm .
Also. MATCHING FUNDS DONORS FOR “MAINTENANCE MUSTS” will match your gifts up to $25,000 till year-end! “What a wonderful experience it was to be at CedarS… I will keep it in my heart forever: the beautiful surroundings, the embracing architecture, the loving and selfless staff. CedarS and all who love it and serve it is… a very special and holy place.”
College Summit Participant
Also. MATCHING FUNDS DONORS FOR “MAINTENANCE MUSTS” will match your gifts up to $25,000 till year-end! “What a wonderful experience it was to be at CedarS… I will keep it in my heart forever: the beautiful surroundings, the embracing architecture, the loving and selfless staff. CedarS and all who love it and serve it is… a very special and holy place.”
College Summit Participant
[We also have a gift for anyone wanting some non-partisan inspiration during this U.S. post-election season as Congress works together to avoid a “Fiscal Cliff”. To hear now two inspiring, non-partisan talks, one designed to rally us around our Sacred Documents of the Commandments, Sermon on the Mount and Scientific Statement of Being; and the other around the U.S. Founding Documents of the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, click http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/founding/ or order a free CD by clicking this link). Thanks for e-giving, calling or mailing to our winter office (address below) your greatly-appreciated & needed gifts to help support CedarS horses, buildings, and programs that all support Christian Science youth and their appreciation and application of the Commandments, Beatitudes and Scientific Statement of Being.
“I will carry with me always the lessons learned, friendships made, and spiritual understanding gained.” Counselor
“I will carry with me always the lessons learned, friendships made, and spiritual understanding gained.” Counselor
[CedarS Camps Office,
1314 Parkview Valley Dr.,
Manchester, MO 63011
1314 Parkview Valley Dr.,
Manchester, MO 63011
or call us to give a monthly pledge or a single, credit or debit card gift at
636-394-6162.]
636-394-6162.]
[Additional Director's Note: You can sign up to have these application ideas emailed to you free — by Monday each week in English; or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION: in German, thanks to Helga and Manfred; or in Spanish, thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. A voluntary French translation by Pascal or Denise cannot be guaranteed due to their busy schedules. An “official” version of the weekly Portuguese translation should be coming soon on a new webpage for CedarS Mets, but in the meantime you can email Orlando Trentini to be added to the list.
This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets “and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets “and Sunday School ideas are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-30). The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
[PSST: Have a “Hymn Read” to praise God's creation, power & laws!]
Possible Sunday School Topics by Merrill Boudreaux
for CedarS' Met on the 12-16-2012 Christian Science Bible Lesson:
“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
P.S.S.T. – Golden Text You, the work of God, how shall you praise him? Of what will you speak, of what will you talk? Let's agree to monitor our conversations with others and with ourselves so that we speak the truth only.
Read together Hymn 132 from the Christian Science Hymnal. [I am the way, the truth…]
P.S.S.T. – Responsive Reading Is God mindful of you? What does God know about you? Over what has God given you dominion? What does the word dominion mean? Perhaps stewardship is a great substitute word. How are you caring, shepherding or being a steward for your space on this planet? Remember you, and all things, are blessed of the Lord.
Read together Hymn 101 from the C.S. Hymnal. [He sent His word]
P.S.S.T. – Section 1 Of what did God create the universe? (Citation S-1) Why did God create you and all the people of the universe? (B-3) Does God know matter, mortal mind, animal magnetism, devil, or evil? When light shines, what happens to darkness? What light do you have to bring to bear in your thought to remove any doubt, darkness or terror?
Read together Hymn 77 from the C.S. Hymnal. [God is my strong salvation]
P.S.S.T. – Section 2 Who were Elisha and Elijah as Biblical prophets, what relationship did they have to each other? Why did the woman treat Elisha as she did in citation B-7? What was her blessing? Is the truth of God operational in every part of the universe? If creation is a quality of God, and it is, then it operates everywhere in the universe. (S-10)
Read together Hymn 123 from the Christian Science Hymnal. [How firm a foundation]
P.S.S.T. – Section 3 Is there any need in the universe that God will not supply? What need was met in citation B-12? What did God create and bless in citation B-10? Did the power in citation B-12 come from Elijah or was he a truth teller and witness to God as Ever-Creator? (S-14) What is a good memory prayer in citation B-13? (See verse 18).
Read together Hymn 82 from the C.S. Hymnal. [God is working His purpose out]
P.S.S.T. – Section 4 What do the heavens declare and the firmament show? (B-15) What do they teach? (S-17) What does time, birthdays, or age have to do with creation and permanency of what God has created? (S-19) Can a law of God ever be broken? Ask students to share at least one law of God of which they are confident that it exists in their lives. (Feel free to share one you're sure of…)
Read together Hymn 282 from the C.S. Hymnal. [Praise the Lord, ye heavens, adore Him]
Read together Hymn 282 from the C.S. Hymnal. [Praise the Lord, ye heavens, adore Him]
P.S.S.T. – Section 5 What does the word abundance mean? What does the word penurious mean? Which of those two words is best applicable to God? How was this truth demonstrated in citation B-19? What was God's command to His creation in citation B-17? What are you certain to see as you gain more correct views of God and man? (S-24)
Read together Hymn 85 from the C.S. Hymnal.[God of Truth, eternal good, Lift our hearts to…]
P.S.S.T. – Section 6 What did the man's friends do for him in citation B-22? Why did they perform this act? Was it love for him only, or might it have been certainty? Do you realize this is scriptural authority for present-day healing? Why is healing certain? (B-21 and S-25) Do healings occur in Christian Science because of a person, even if that person is a Christian Science practitioner? Or do healings occur because of the presence of the Christ? What is the Christ? See Science & Health 583:10.
Read together Hymn 95 from the C.S. Hymnal. [He leadeth me, O blessed thought,]
P.S.S.T. – Section 7 Where is the kingdom of God? Every idea exists within this kingdom. There is no outside to this kingdom. What are the inclusive words that begin the Lord's Prayer? “Our Father.” Can anyone, therefore, be outside the kingdom? What do we “owe” or should “give” to the creator? (S-29) What are we to behold and to communicate to others and ourselves? (S-30)
Read together Hymn 204 from the C.S. Hymnal. [O Father, Thy kingdom is come upon earth]
[PYCL: Expect a spiritual sense of God's perfect universe to meet all needs! (See PS)]
CedarS PYCLs–Possible Younger Class Lessons for:
“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for December 16, 2012
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041 [Bracketed inserts by Warren Huff]
CedarS PYCLs–Possible Younger Class Lessons for:
“Is the Universe, Including Man, Evolved by Atomic Force?”
The Christian Science Bible Lesson for December 16, 2012
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041 [Bracketed inserts by Warren Huff]
[PYCL: Help pupils see & use the fact that creation, incl. man, is spiritual & harmonious.]
Make sure you take a look at the subject of this week's lesson with the kids and define it together. Citation S9 has an explanatory sentence: “The true theory of the universe, including man, is not in material history but in spiritual development”. This lesson really goes to the root of Christian Science and what distinguishes it from other forms of Christianity. In very reduced form, we understand that creation, including man, is spiritual and harmonious. Christian Science helps us to understand this and put this knowledge into practice. So this is a great opportunity to look at how the creation story in the beginning of the Bible is illustrated in each section through various citations including some interesting stories. Obviously your knowledge of how the lesson is put together doesn't necessarily involve the kids, but your knowledge of this can help bring forward the important elements of how an understanding of the genuinely spiritual nature of creation has practical expression in our lives. The understanding of the fact that we are evolved from Spirit needs to be nurtured in our thought and experience every day, tended and cared for and Sunday School is a perfect place for the children to hear examples of how this fact plays out in daily life! It is so very easy to fall into the trap of accepting what we see around us as fact and to become either complacent or depressed about what we see. The work of all Christian Scientists each day is to invigorate our understanding and challenge material sense (human conception, citation S6), as the source of man.
Make sure you take a look at the subject of this week's lesson with the kids and define it together. Citation S9 has an explanatory sentence: “The true theory of the universe, including man, is not in material history but in spiritual development”. This lesson really goes to the root of Christian Science and what distinguishes it from other forms of Christianity. In very reduced form, we understand that creation, including man, is spiritual and harmonious. Christian Science helps us to understand this and put this knowledge into practice. So this is a great opportunity to look at how the creation story in the beginning of the Bible is illustrated in each section through various citations including some interesting stories. Obviously your knowledge of how the lesson is put together doesn't necessarily involve the kids, but your knowledge of this can help bring forward the important elements of how an understanding of the genuinely spiritual nature of creation has practical expression in our lives. The understanding of the fact that we are evolved from Spirit needs to be nurtured in our thought and experience every day, tended and cared for and Sunday School is a perfect place for the children to hear examples of how this fact plays out in daily life! It is so very easy to fall into the trap of accepting what we see around us as fact and to become either complacent or depressed about what we see. The work of all Christian Scientists each day is to invigorate our understanding and challenge material sense (human conception, citation S6), as the source of man.
[PYCL: Link Jesus’ birth with no human dad to the birth of the Shunammite woman’s son.]
So, again, if the kids or you are eager to talk about Christmas, this lesson actually contains some really thought-provoking ideas to apply to the Christmas story, starting out with the conception of Jesus with no human Father. You don't have to get into details with the little ones, just talking about the fact that Jesus didn't have a daddy the way the rest of us seem to, but that God was his Father. You can look at Mrs. Eddy's poem, Blest Christmas Morn, and sing it together, and talk about the words. Some of the words are old-fashioned and unfamiliar to kids. Talk about the connection with this subject and the story of Jesus' birth and the story of the Shunammite woman and the conception of her son.
So, again, if the kids or you are eager to talk about Christmas, this lesson actually contains some really thought-provoking ideas to apply to the Christmas story, starting out with the conception of Jesus with no human Father. You don't have to get into details with the little ones, just talking about the fact that Jesus didn't have a daddy the way the rest of us seem to, but that God was his Father. You can look at Mrs. Eddy's poem, Blest Christmas Morn, and sing it together, and talk about the words. Some of the words are old-fashioned and unfamiliar to kids. Talk about the connection with this subject and the story of Jesus' birth and the story of the Shunammite woman and the conception of her son.
[PYCL: Talk about where your pupils get money and what Jesus proved by where he got his.]
What else in Jesus' life supports the idea of spiritual creation? What about the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth? Talk about where they might get money. Do they get it from their mom and dad? From the bank? Find it on the ground occasionally? Do they think that they could normally find enough to pay a tax bill, which might be somewhat more significant than a penny or dime on the ground, just by “chance”? What was Jesus proving here? What does this prove possible for us? Really talk about what it might mean. Everyone, including the littlest kid, understands human need, and you can help with this story to show that any need we have can be supplied in an unforeseen way that is practical. If they need someone to pick them up after a fall, is there always someone there to do that? If they need a meal, does that get supplied? With the older kids you can talk about how we tend to take these things for granted and think that our moms, dads, or teachers, etc. are the source of these things. But as we learn to give credit where credit is due, untold spiritual riches become available to us and we relieve ourselves and others from the burden of a false sense of responsibility for our supply of good. Our true assessment of the source of good also helps that good to become more apparent to others. Use some examples of course from your experience of how God's goodness was given to you, some daily ideas and some more “coins from fish’s mouths” examples would be great. [See Warren’s PS for an example.]
What else in Jesus' life supports the idea of spiritual creation? What about the story of the coin in the fish’s mouth? Talk about where they might get money. Do they get it from their mom and dad? From the bank? Find it on the ground occasionally? Do they think that they could normally find enough to pay a tax bill, which might be somewhat more significant than a penny or dime on the ground, just by “chance”? What was Jesus proving here? What does this prove possible for us? Really talk about what it might mean. Everyone, including the littlest kid, understands human need, and you can help with this story to show that any need we have can be supplied in an unforeseen way that is practical. If they need someone to pick them up after a fall, is there always someone there to do that? If they need a meal, does that get supplied? With the older kids you can talk about how we tend to take these things for granted and think that our moms, dads, or teachers, etc. are the source of these things. But as we learn to give credit where credit is due, untold spiritual riches become available to us and we relieve ourselves and others from the burden of a false sense of responsibility for our supply of good. Our true assessment of the source of good also helps that good to become more apparent to others. Use some examples of course from your experience of how God's goodness was given to you, some daily ideas and some more “coins from fish’s mouths” examples would be great. [See Warren’s PS for an example.]
[PYCL: Help pupils find overcome hurts & lies with an understanding of spiritual creation.]
I think that you can talk to the slightly older kids, maybe 7 and up, about the clarity that this lesson brings to the idea that spiritual understanding separates Truth/God from material sense. (S6). I am so inspired by how this lesson illustrates the idea of spiritual creation being perceived through understanding of God, and not being found in material sense. And yet, we live day to day much of the time in what appears to be matter. How is this reconciled, or is it? In citation S4 Mrs. Eddy addresses the suggestion that creation is made of spiritual and material elements. This might seem logical, and yet we are then left without the dominion that is mentioned in the sixth section; and then we are indeed subject to matter, with maybe a few inexplicable exceptions. Here is what makes Christian Science distinct from other Christian religions. This brings us back to the Science behind what Mrs. Eddy discovered and Jesus so ably illustrated for us. It's helpful to look at citation S5 where she says: “Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power”. What does that mean? It means to me that God is certainly not to be “credited” with death, destruction, tragedy, evil of any kind. If God were, He would not be worth worshiping. These are big subjects and you should make sure they are not treated in a shallow way, but we also can't shy away from them. We are faced every day with things that appear to be out of our control and not good. Kids see these things and legitimately want to understand what that means. When they feel sick or hurt, they need to have the love and understanding behind the truths of spiritual creation that we tell them in Sunday School and at home. You can't bring this stuff up without some careful thought ahead of time, but we also don't have to have all the answers. There is nothing wrong with telling a pupil that you don't have a good answer for their question, let’s think about it and revisit it next week. Then don't forget to do just that! Maybe there is in this an assignment for the kids. Can they find an opportunity where they consciously allow spiritual sense to overcome their material view of something? Talk about how those opportunities might present themselves so they have some triggers to recognize such an opportunity. Might it be there when we are in the midst of an argument with someone in the family or with a friend? Maybe it comes when we are tempted to think we aren't feeling well? It's helpful to send them a quick e-mail to remind them of this search next week, maybe sometime in the middle of the week.
I think that you can talk to the slightly older kids, maybe 7 and up, about the clarity that this lesson brings to the idea that spiritual understanding separates Truth/God from material sense. (S6). I am so inspired by how this lesson illustrates the idea of spiritual creation being perceived through understanding of God, and not being found in material sense. And yet, we live day to day much of the time in what appears to be matter. How is this reconciled, or is it? In citation S4 Mrs. Eddy addresses the suggestion that creation is made of spiritual and material elements. This might seem logical, and yet we are then left without the dominion that is mentioned in the sixth section; and then we are indeed subject to matter, with maybe a few inexplicable exceptions. Here is what makes Christian Science distinct from other Christian religions. This brings us back to the Science behind what Mrs. Eddy discovered and Jesus so ably illustrated for us. It's helpful to look at citation S5 where she says: “Spiritual evolution alone is worthy of the exercise of divine power”. What does that mean? It means to me that God is certainly not to be “credited” with death, destruction, tragedy, evil of any kind. If God were, He would not be worth worshiping. These are big subjects and you should make sure they are not treated in a shallow way, but we also can't shy away from them. We are faced every day with things that appear to be out of our control and not good. Kids see these things and legitimately want to understand what that means. When they feel sick or hurt, they need to have the love and understanding behind the truths of spiritual creation that we tell them in Sunday School and at home. You can't bring this stuff up without some careful thought ahead of time, but we also don't have to have all the answers. There is nothing wrong with telling a pupil that you don't have a good answer for their question, let’s think about it and revisit it next week. Then don't forget to do just that! Maybe there is in this an assignment for the kids. Can they find an opportunity where they consciously allow spiritual sense to overcome their material view of something? Talk about how those opportunities might present themselves so they have some triggers to recognize such an opportunity. Might it be there when we are in the midst of an argument with someone in the family or with a friend? Maybe it comes when we are tempted to think we aren't feeling well? It's helpful to send them a quick e-mail to remind them of this search next week, maybe sometime in the middle of the week.
[PYCL: Talk of how healing palsy, breaking a drought & healings today show God’s power.]
In support of the above message, you can look at any of the stories in this week's lesson and talk about how they illustrate the power of God to overcome the beliefs and so-called laws of matter. I mean, how does a palsied man (explain what palsy is), get right up and carry his bed out of the room? How do you pick up the exact right fish in the sea and find a coin of the right denomination? How does a drought that has persisted for many months get lifted when Elijah says it will? Aren't each of these proofs of the fallibility of material sense to perceive God's goodness and presence? If they are miracles, instances where very holy, amazing people got God's attention, then we are in trouble right? But Jesus told us to “go and do likewise” or to heal as he healed, and Mrs. Eddy certainly did just that. We have thousands of testimonies today that show that these things are not miracles as well! What an exciting thought this is!
In support of the above message, you can look at any of the stories in this week's lesson and talk about how they illustrate the power of God to overcome the beliefs and so-called laws of matter. I mean, how does a palsied man (explain what palsy is), get right up and carry his bed out of the room? How do you pick up the exact right fish in the sea and find a coin of the right denomination? How does a drought that has persisted for many months get lifted when Elijah says it will? Aren't each of these proofs of the fallibility of material sense to perceive God's goodness and presence? If they are miracles, instances where very holy, amazing people got God's attention, then we are in trouble right? But Jesus told us to “go and do likewise” or to heal as he healed, and Mrs. Eddy certainly did just that. We have thousands of testimonies today that show that these things are not miracles as well! What an exciting thought this is!
[PYCL: Put finding the coin in the fish’s mouth in your own words -shine creation’s light!]
I realize that there are no little bitty kid activities in this week's PYCLs, but you are always safe I think with sharing stories and telling them in your own words. Also talking about how healing happens and where it comes from. Talk about the coin in the fish’s mouth and be sure they understand what happened here. Don't assume that it is self-explanatory. You can also talk about some of the details about creation and how there was light before there was a sun or moon or stars. What did that light come from? What does that light represent?
I realize that there are no little bitty kid activities in this week's PYCLs, but you are always safe I think with sharing stories and telling them in your own words. Also talking about how healing happens and where it comes from. Talk about the coin in the fish’s mouth and be sure they understand what happened here. Don't assume that it is self-explanatory. You can also talk about some of the details about creation and how there was light before there was a sun or moon or stars. What did that light come from? What does that light represent?
Have a wonderful Sunday!
[Warren’s P.S. of a “recent” example of a need being met by prayer that produced needed supply from and unexpected source (like a coin in a fish’s mouth): In May of 1993, CedarS was literally raising a section of roof over its main dining room, Dawn Lodge, to become an extended dormer roof that would span a new Basketball court and several new upstairs bedrooms. We had thought that the existing roof on the rest of the structure still had several more years of useful life in it, but found out that it did not. The additional cost of a replacement lifetime roof with good insulation and substructure would be $100,000 that was NOT in the budget. Within minutes of getting this seemingly very bad news only a month before 1st session a great peace came over me as I put the situation in God’s “hands” to take care of this need for Her camp and His glory. In less than an hour, with no request other than that simple prayer of trusting God, the first call we got was from a new-to-us benefactor saying he knew how much good CedarS was doing and suddenly felt a divine impulse to pick up the phone and tell us of his plan to give a $100,000 contribution for whatever was most needed to help open camp. Talk about a powerful divine network that has been proven hundreds of other times for CedarS in small and big ways each day! Coins (needed supply) still can be found in a fish’s mouth (unexpected places) today!]
